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Home » South Africa Transitions to Direct Hajj Model via Nusuk Hajj Platform

South Africa Transitions to Direct Hajj Model via Nusuk Hajj Platform

The South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) hereby informs the Muslim community of South Africa regarding important developments following recent engagements concerning SAHUC’s status as the Hajj Affairs office and the model for facilitating Hajj for South African pilgrims.

In line with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s global rollout of the Direct Hajj Model (Nusuk Hajj platform) , South African pilgrims will now register, select, and secure their Hajj packages exclusively through the Nusuk Hajj platform.

SAHUC will not continue with the Hajj facilitation process, including initiating the process of accrediting pilgrims for Hajj 1447AH.
It is understood that the Direct Hajj model (Nusuk Hajj platform) will open for pre registrations within a month or two and official Hajj registration for the 1140 pilgrims from South Africa during Rajab 1447 (late in December2025). The South African quota has been reduced from 2500 under SAHUC to 1140 on the Nusuk Hajj platform.

Every South African will have to register again for Hajj through the Direct Hajj model (Nusuk Hajj plat-form) when the registration process opens. Pilgrims who have previously performed Hajj are now eligible to apply again. Applications may be submitted annually, provided the pilgrim is selected and has the financial means to undertake the journey.

All service delivery related queries and complaints will need to be addressed directly to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and/or the Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Pretoria.

Over the past several months, SAHUC has worked diligently in full compliance with the requirements of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU). This process has included:

  • Engagement with the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Pretoria.
  • Meetings with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Consultations with South African government bodies, including DIRCO and the CRL Rights Commission.
  • Securing official recognition from the CRL Rights Commission as the designated Hajj authority for South Africa.
  • Submission of this recognition to Saudi authorities through diplomatic channels.
  • Launching the SAHUC registration portal and initiating logistical preparations for Hajj 1447 AH.

Furthermore, SAHUC has engaged with the majority of South Africa’s mainstream Islamic bodies as well as general council organizations and received their formal letters of support in favour of continuing with the Hajj Affairs Office model rather than moving to the Direct Hajj Model (Nusuk Hajj platform).

Implications of the Direct Hajj Model for South African Pilgrims:
The transition to the Direct Hajj Model (Nusuk Hajj Platform) will introduce several implications for South African pilgrims:

  1. The long-standing SAHUC waiting list, currently spanning 8-10 years, will fall away and no longer apply. Pilgrims will instead be required to register directly on the Nusuk Hajj platform.
  2. Applications will be processed strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability within South Africa’s new quota of 1,140 pilgrims as allocated by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU).
  3. South African pilgrims may be distributed across multiple Saudi Service Providers (SPCs), which could result in the contingent being split during the Hajj journey, including during the five days of Hajj in the Mashaa’ir.
  4. The Nusuk platform does not provide a waiting list or queue. Applicants who are unsuccessful in a particular year will need to reapply in subsequent years.
  5. The package duration ranges from 10 days to 21 days. This is shorter than the traditional durations to which South African pilgrims have become accustomed to.
  6. Based on NUSUK hajj costs for 2025/1446H, There is a strong possibility that package costs will be higher than what South African pilgrims have historically paid.
  7. Pilgrims will not have access to customised support services traditionally provided under the Hajj Affairs model including logistical, spiritual, and medical support tailored to South Africans.
  8. Pilgrims who have previously performed Hajj are now eligible to apply again. Applications may be submitted annually, provided the pilgrim is selected and has the financial means to undertake the journey.
  9. Individuals who have previously performed Hajj may apply on the Nusuk Hajj platform to serve as “Guides.” If accepted, they may be remunerated by SPCs. However, the number of guides will be significantly fewer than those previously available under the Hajj Affairs office model.
  10. Some SPCs may include flights in their packages, while others will require pilgrims to arrange their own flights independently.
  11. Should pilgrims wish to withdraw funds from their Digital Wallet on the Nusuk Hajj platform, a transaction fee may be applicable. The MOHU will provide official guidance regarding this fee.
  12. In the unfortunate event of a death in the Kingdom, the deceased’s family will be required to liaise directly with the Consulate of the Republic of South Africa.

Direct Hajj Model may present challenges for some pilgrims, particularly those who are not technology-savvy or familiar with mobile applications. Unlike the previous system where support could be accessed through local offices in South Africa, pilgrims will now be required to secure packages and manage queries directly online via the Nusuk Hajj platform.Direct Hajj model (Nusuk Hajj platform) – Key features.The Direct Hajj Model (Nusuk Hajj Platform), already implemented in countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, introduces significant changes to the way South African pilgrims may apply and prepare for Hajj.Key Features of the Direct Hajj Model:

1. Licensed Saudi Arabian Service Providers (SPCs) will design, manage, and market Hajj packages directly to South African pilgrims through the Nusuk Hajj online platform.

2. Any Muslim over the age of 12, whether a first-time or repeat pilgrim, will be eligible to apply directly online via the Nusuk platform. Once an application is accepted, the pilgrim must select a package and make payment through their digital wallet within the specified timeframe.

3. Applications will only be open during a defined period, beginning approximately four months prior to Hajj, during which all formalities must be completed.

4. Pilgrims will be required to book their Hajj packages directly with SPCs via the Nusuk Hajj platform. In1446 AH, a total of 14 SPCs offered packages, with pilgrims free to choose from among them.

5. Packages typically range between 10, 14 or 21 days and include 3, 4, and 5-star accommodation options, as seen during Hajj 1446 (2025).

6. The role of SAHUC and/or South African travel operators will be limited to providing information, guid-ance, and support for those applying through the Nusuk Hajj platform.

7.While travel operators and SAHUC may negotiate with SPCs to market packages locally on a commission basis, SAHUC has formally declined this option as it falls outside its mandate.

8. Scholars (Ulama, Aalims, and Aalimas) wishing to provide spiritual guidance, as well as individuals intending to act as Hajj guides, must also apply through the Nusuk Hajj platform. If accepted, the SPC will cover their costs and may negotiate remuneration or commission for their services.

9. Medical and health facilities will be provided by the Saudi Ministry of Health and made accessible to pilgrims at designated locations throughout the pilgrimage.

10. Group registrations will be permitted but limited to a maximum of eight people per group.

ANNEXURE – BACKGROUND OF HOW EVENTS HAVE UNFOLDED POST HAJJ.

  1. Engagement with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission)On the 13t of June 2025, SAHUC formally informed DIRCO of the new Hajj rules and regulations for Hajj 1447AH/2027 that was released by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU) and requested an urgent meeting to discuss the way forward.DIRCO responded that after internal consultations, it did not have a mandate to manage Hajj affairs beyond diplomatic representation and consular services and advised that the matter be taken up with the CRL Rights Commission which was the relevant constitutionally mandated body to deal with such matters. This was unexpected and quite surprising given that two years earlier, in 2023, the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation had appointed the Ministerial Committee on the Efficient Management of the Annual Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages (MCHU) to investigate all matters relating to Hajj. It should be noted that the final report of this Committee (MCHU) has only recently been shared with the CRL Rights commission as per DIRCO. On the 30th of July 2025, SAHUC met with the CRL Rights Commission during which SAHUC briefed the Commission on the role it is playing currently in organizing the Hajj Pilgrimage and the implications of the latest Hajj Rules and Regulations that has been released by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU).The CRL Rights Commission in turn briefed SAHUC on the outcome of the Consultative Process which it had undertaken at the request of DIRCO in 2021.The CRL Rights Commission informed us that SAHUC should be retained as a Hajj Affairs office and that it was necessary for SAHUC’s Constitution to be reviewed and amended to ensure inclusivity and alignment with South Africa’s constitutional framework and the broader community’s expectations.Both parties agreed to urgently engage further in order to address the CRL Rights Commission’s Report’s
  2. Engagement with the Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Pretoria. On the 5th of August 2025, SAHUC met with the Saudi Ambassador to discuss the challenges being experienced in South Africa with regards to the new Hajj rules and regulations. The Ambassador mentioned that we should look at a model that is inclusive of all role players and we indicated that SAHUC requested interested travel operators to submit proposals by the 15th of August 2025.It is our understanding that on the 6th of August 2025, the Saudi Ambassador met with seven travel opera-tors, who presented their grievances and made requests for South Africa to be placed onto the Nusuk Hajj platform model:
  3. Developments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, as agreed with the CRL Rights Commission, SAHUC continued with its activities relating to organizing the Hajj pilgrimage for 1447AH/2026, operating within the framework and timelines set by the MOHU. On the 20*h of August 2025, SAHUC received the official Hajj quota allocation of 2500 for South Africa through the Nusuk Masar (admin portal) system under the Hajj Affairs Office. Upon receipt of the official quota for SA, SAHUC launched its dynamic registration portal on our website: www.sahuc.co.za; enabling prospective pilgrims to view their queue position and begin preparations for Hajj accreditation. On the 23rd of August 2025, while SAHUC was in the process of securing and paying for the Mina and Arafat camps, the MOHU halted the process. Upon enquiry as to the rationale for the MOHU’s action, we were informed that it was due to the complaints lodged by the South African travel operators. Furthermore, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU) informed SAHUC that it had received communications questioning SAHUC’s mandate.The MOHU informed us that the operators advocated for South Africa’s transition to the Direct Hajj model (Nusuk hajj platform).On the 28th of August 2025, SAHUC met senior MOHU officials, who raised concerns over conflicting communications from South Africa, including correspondence questioning SAHUC’s mandate. The MOHU discussed the Direct Hajj model (Nusuk Hajj platform) and also explained the MURSHID (“guide”) | model. Guides, who could be any South African who performed Hajj previously, may earn commission from the SPC. This is a role for which either SAHUC or a travel operator/s or any citizen could apply. The MOHU made a presentation to SAHUC on the direct Hajj model (Nusuk Hajj platform) on the 3rd of September 2025. The MOHU subsequently requested a formal letter from the South African government confirming SAHUC’s recognition. Without this letter, South Africa was to be transitioned to the Direct Hajj model (Nusuk hajj platform).
  4. Subsequent Developments On the 20d of September 2025, pursuant to SAHUC’s urgent request, the CRL Rights Commission convened a meeting to discuss the MOHU’s request. SAHUC acknowledges and appreciates the CRL Rights Commission’s responsiveness in facilitating this engagement. The Commission subsequently issued an official letter affirming SAHUC’s recognition as the Hajj Affairs Office for South African Muslims. The letter was duly submitted to the Saudi Embassy in Pretoria for onward transmission to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and, ultimately, to the MOHU. A copy of the letter was also sent directly to MOHU. On the 11th of September 2025, SAHUC met with DIRCO to discuss the current situation with regards to new Hajj rules and regulations as well as timelines and what is required from a government perspective to ensure that South Africa remains on the Hajj affairs model. Alhamdullilah, the CRL Rights commission’s “official Letter” was sent by DIRCO through diplomatic channels to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and we received confirmation that the letter was received on the 15th of September 2025. Since 15 September 2025, SAHUC has been in continuous engagement with officials from the Ministry of Haj and Umrah (MOHU) while awaiting the official confirmation of their decision. On 18 September 2025, the official correspondence from the Saudi Embassy, addressed to DIRCO, was circulated via social media. The letter confirms the transition to the Nusuk Hajj platform and outlines a reduction in South Africa’s Hajj quota. SAHUC extends its heartfelt gratitude to all South African pilgrims who have undertaken their sacred journey over the past three decades under SAHUC’s care. It has been both an honour and a privilege to serve the Hajjis solely for the pleasure of Allah. We further acknowledge and deeply appreciate the support of the South African Government, the Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, service provider companies, travel operators as well as all role players and stakeholders across the Hajj sector. Our sincere appreciation is also extended to our office staff, General Council volunteer members, and partner organisations, whose dedication and selfless service have been instrumental in assisting and guiding the pilgrims of South Africa. As we move into this new chapter, we convey our best wishes to all pilgrims transitioning to the Direct Hajj Model via the Nusuk Hajj platform. Looking ahead, SAHUC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to serving the South African Muslim community with dedication and integrity. While this transition represents a significant shift, we remain available to provide support to pilgrims through our online ticketing system, ensuring that their sacred journey continues with dignity, comfort, and peace of mind In Shaa Allah. Released by The Board of SAHUC